Support Your Local Sheriff!

Support Your Local Sheriff!

United Artists

March 26, 1969

Historical Comedy, Western

B-

This film was both better than I expected and somehow not living up to its potential.  I like its blend of gentle, even laidback humor with slapstick and cartoony violence, but it didn't seem to have a clear viewpoint.  Also, it's a late '60s G-rated movie that involves several deaths and a whorehouse, so the tone is definitely uneven at times.  Standout performances are from star Garner (post-Maverick pre-Rockford Files, and it shows) and of course Harry Morgan as the amiably cynical mayor.  (The way he pronounces "puberty" is classic.)  There were times I liked Joan Hackett, but she's not given a clear, consistent character to play.  Burt Kennedy directed, a few months before The Good Guys and the Bad Guys, which lived up to its potential even less.

The Ox-Bow Incident

The Ox-Bow Incident

20th Century Fox

May 21, 1943

Western

DVD

D+

Other than seeing a relatively young Harry Morgan (28), there's not much to capture my interest here.  This is based on Walter Van Tilburg Clark's novel, and directed by William A. Wellman.

The Shootist

The Shootist

Paramount

July 21, 1976

Historical Drama

DVD
C

I actually gave this 45 minutes, because I thought it had potential, and of course it was neat to see the supporting cast.  But ultimately, I didn't want to stay with it.  This is based on Glendon Swarthout's novel and directed by Don Siegel, whose other three movies I've looked at so far I definitely didn't enjoy as much.